Sanitary armpit pad

ABSTRACT

A sanitary armpit pad for absorbing excess sweat, consisting of three layers, namely a non-woven skin-contacting fabric cover consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene fibres incorporating a surfactant (0.5% Silastol), an antiperspirant (2% zinc oxide) and an antibacterial agent (0.1% triclosan); an absorbent body consisting of cellulose fibres with a high sweat absorption capacity; and a polyethylene film having a thin adhesive layer thereon to promote adhesion thereof to the user&#39;s garments. Prior to use, the adhesive is protected by a silicon-coated strip of a suitable size.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from international application number PCT/IB2004/001946 filed May 24, 2004, publication number WO 2004/105527, and from application 03218043 filed in the Patent Office of Columbia on May 28, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hygienic protector for the armpits for the purpose of controlling the excessive perspiration that appears in that area of the body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The problem addressed by the Invention is excessive sweating under the armpits. Excessive perspiration is very uncomfortable and produces unpleasant odors and excessive humidity in garments. The problem of high perspiration is very common. Those who suffer from this type of excessive perspiration experience embarrassing moments, especially since their clothes remain wet under the armpits. The presence of excessive perspiration can create a very bad impression and cause unpleasant odors.

The traditional solution to the problem of excessive perspiration has been the use of antiperspirants/deodorants. For many persons who present or display high levels of perspiration, the effect of antiperspirants/deodorants is not adequate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Invention is an absorbent pad to be temporarily attached to the underarm area of garments. The absorbent pad absorbs excessive moisture from perspiration and stores the moisture within the absorbent pad. A relatively water-impermeable plastic film prevents moisture stored within the absorbent pad from reaching and wetting the the garment. The absorbent pad is secured to the garment by a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the plastic film and is held in place in contact with the underarm area of the wearer by the garment.

The absorbent pad comprises four layers. The first layer is a cover that is held in contact with the underarm skin of the person wearing a garment. The cover is selected to be smooth and comfortable to the touch and to readily wick moisture from the underarm skin through the cover. The second layer is composed of highly absorbent cellulose. The cellulose absorbs and retains the moisture wicked through the cover. The third layer is the water-impermeable plastic film. The water-impermeable plastic film prevents moisture retained in the absorbent cellulose from escaping through the plastic film to the clothes of the wearer. The fourth layer is the pressure-sensitive adhesive that secures the absorbent pad to the clothing of the wearer. A tape having a release backing, such as silicon tape, is applied to the adhesive to prevent premature adhesion. The silicon tape is removed prior to affixing the absorbent pad to the garment. The absorbent pad may be removed and discarded after use.

The four layers of the absorbent pad of the Invention may be joined together by any means known in the art. The peripheries of the cover and the plastic film may be thermally joined one to the other and may retain the highly absorbent cellulose between the cover and the plastic film.

The absorbent pad of the Invention is easy to use and easily adapts to any garment. The absorbent pad is comfortable in use due to the smoothness of the cover in contact with the wearer's skin and may be used by children or adults. The high degree of absorption and retention of the cover and absorbent layer allow persons who suffer from the problem of excessive underarm perspiration to live free of discomfort and embarrassment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Invention.

FIG. 2 is front view of the Invention.

FIG. 3 is a posterior view of the Invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the Invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along cut line A-A of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

As shown by FIGS. 1 through 5, the absorbent pad of the Invention includes a cover 1, an absorbent layer 2 and a film 3. Absorbent layer 2 may be highly absorbent cellulose or any other suitable material known in the art. As shown by FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, cover 1 appears on the anterior side of the absorbent pad of the Invention. The cover 1 is adapted to contact the skin of the person and to wick moisture from the skin through the cover 1. As shown by FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the plastic film 3 appears on the posterior side of the absorbent pad of the Invention. Plastic film 3 is of relatively low permeability to water and prevents perspiration absorbed by absorbent layer 2 from penetrating through plastic film 3 to the clothing of the person.

As shown by FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the absorbent pad of the invention is configured to fit the underarm of a wearer. An absorbent pad is generally elliptical in shape and is approximately 7 cm. in width and 15 cm in height. Cover 1 is equipped with folds 6 to allow the cover 1 and hence the absorbent layer 2 and plastic film 3 to flex and to move with the wearer. Although any number of folds 6 may be selected, three folds 6 are preferred.

Cover 1 and plastic film 3 each has a periphery. The peripheries of cover 1 and film 3 are thermally welded one to the other, trapping absorbent layer 2 between cover 1 and film 3. Any other suitable means known in the art may be used to retain absorbent layer 2 between cover 1 and film 3.

As shown by FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, adhesive 4 is attached to plastic film 3. The adhesive 4 is selected to allow releasable attachment of the plastic film 3, and hence the absorbent pad of the invention, to the underarm clothing of a wearer. While any suitable adhesive 4 may be used, pressure sensitive adhesive 4 is preferred. To prevent premature attachment of adhesive 4, adhesive 4 is protected by a releasable tape 5. Releasable tape 5 is coated with or comprises a release agent. Silicon tape is preferred for releasable tape 5.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the absorbent pad of the Invention. Cover 1 and plastic film 3 form opposite walls of the absorbent pad of the Invention. Absorbent layer 2 is confined between cover 1 and plastic film 3. Adhesive 4 is affixed to plastic film 3 and releasable tape 5 covers adhesive 4 until the absorbent pad is used.

The main function of cover 1 is to absorb the perspiration originating under the arm of the wearer and to transport the perspiration to the absorbent layer 2. Cover 1 is composed of a non-woven, textile fabric selected for its smoothness and ability to wick moisture. As is characteristic of non-woven fabrics, the fibers of cover 1 are interconnected and are randomly presented. The fabric of cover 1 is preferably 18 grams/m² in weight and is 1.5 mm thick. The non-woven textile fabric of the cover 1 is composed of fibers made of polyethylene and polypropylene, which renders the cover 1 very smooth to the touch. The fibers of cover 1 are approximately 40 mm long and have a relation between length and weight of the fibers of 2.2 to 3.3 decitex. Any suitable fiber composition and size may be used, as may any suitable weight and thickness of fabric. Cover 1 is configured to have three folds 6 of 1 cm. in width in the central zone of cover 1 to facilitate the free movement of the arms of the users, as shown by FIGS. 1 and 2. Any suitable number of folds 6 may be used. The cover 1 is preferably fabricated in a non-woven fabric carder, using a Pelton machine.

The cover 1 fabric preferably is treated during the manufacturing process with a surfactant to improve wicking of moisture. The preferred surfactant is 0.5% Silastol sprayed on the fabric of cover 1.

The cover fabric 1 preferably is treated with an antibacterial agent to suppress odors and an antiperspirant to reduce perspiration. The preferred method for treating the cover 1 with the antibacterial agent and the antiperspirant is by spraying the antiperspirant and antibacterial agent on the cover 1. The preferred antiperspirant is 2% zinc dioxide and the preferred antibacterial agent is 0.1% Triclosan.

The absorbent layer 2 is made from cellulose pulp selected for its high absorbency and is similar to that used in the fabrication of hygienic pads well known in the art. The preferred amount of cellulose pulp in the absorbent pad of the invention is 1.5 grams.

The plastic film 3 is of polyethylene, fabricated using extrusion casting technology, and it has a weight of 22 grams/m² and a thickness of 30 microns. After extrusion and prior to coiling, the surface of the plastic film 3 is treated via corona discharge using a Sherman corona machine. The Sherman corona treatment uses 10000 volts, which guarantees corrugation of the plastic film 3 surface. The cover 1 and plastic film 3 are cut in the dimensions established in the Krant cut.

Adhesive 4 is applied in a thin layer to the resulting corrugated surface of plastic film 3 so that the plastic film 3, and hence the absorbent pad of the Invention, may selectably adhere to the underarm area of a wearer's clothing.

To assemble the absorbent pad of the Invention, the absorbent layer 2 comprising 1.5 grams of cellulose pulp is placed on the interior part of the plastic film 3 and is uniformly distributed over the width of the plastic film 3. The cover 1 is placed over the absorbent layer 2 and the plastic film 3. The cover 1 then is sealed to the plastic film 3 by thermal welding using a Stentex sealing machine. The thermal welding operation joins the peripheries of the cover 1 and the plastic film 3 together, trapping the cellulose pulp absorbent layer 2 between the cover 1 and plastic film 3. The width of the thermal weld is 0.5 cm. from the edges of the cover 1 and the plastic film 3. Any suitable method for retaining absorbent layer 2 between cover 1 and plastic film 3 may be used.

The final assembly step is to apply adhesive 4 to the external side of plastic film 3. A strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive 4 approximately 12 cm long by 3 cm wide is preferred. The adhesive 4 is protected prior to use with silicon tape 5 of equal dimensions and of approximately 0.25 grams weight. The addition of the adhesive 4 and the silicon tape 5 is performed by the Stentex sealer machine.

In describing the above embodiments of the invention, specific terminology was selected for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 

1-9. (canceled)
 10. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a. a water-impermeable film, said film being adapted to be attached to an underarm portion of a garment. b. a cover, said cover being adapted to convey a perspiration through said cover, said cover being attached to said film; c. an absorbent layer confined between said film and said cover, said absorbent layer being adapted to absorb perspiration conveyed through said cover.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said adaptation of said film to be attached to said garment comprising: an adhesive, said film having a posterior side, said adhesive being attached to said posterior side of said film.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said attachment of said cover to said film comprising: said cover and said film each having a periphery, said peripheries of said cover and said film being attached one to the other.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, the apparatus further comprising: an antiperspirant agent applied to said cover.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, the apparatus further comprising: an antibacterial agent applied to said cover.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said adaptation of said cover to convey said perspiration comprising: said cover including a non-woven fabric, said non-woven fabric including a fiber, said fiber comprising: a polyethylene and a polypropylene.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said adaptation of said cover to convey said perspiration further comprising: a surfactant applied to said cover.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said absorbent layer comprising: a cellulose pulp.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said film comprises: a polyethylene film.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said polyethylene film has a corrugated surface, said corrugated surface being created by a corona treatment.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, the apparatus further comprising: a silicon tape removably applied to said adhesive, said silicon tape being adapted to be selectably removed to expose said adhesive.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said attachment of said periphery of said cover and said periphery of said film being a thermal weld.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said cover, said film and said absorbent material are configured to conform to said underarm of said person, said conformance of said cover, said film and said absorbent material comprising a plurality of folds.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said polyethylene film is selected to have a weight of substantially 22 grams per square meter of said polyethylene film.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said fibers of said cover being selected to have a relation between a length and a weight of said fibers of between 2.2 and 3.3 decitex.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said polyethylene film is selected to have a weight of substantially 22 grams per square meter of said polyethylene film.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said antiperspirant compound comprises: an antiperspirant spray applied to said cover of a substantially 2% zinc oxide.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said antibacterial compound comprises: an antibacterial spray applied to said cover of substantially 0.1% Triclosan and wherein said surfactant comprises substantially 0.5% Silastol. 